Southern California -- this just in

L.A. County supervisors angered over possible release of convicted felon

November 15, 2011 | 5:24
pm

Los Angeles County supervisors on Tuesday decried the potential release of a violent felon under the state's controversial prisoner release program.

Parolees and nonviolent felons who had formerly been under state care were shifted to local authorities when a new law went into effect in October. The change was the result of budget pressures and a U.S. Supreme Court decision that required California to reduce its prison population.

The parolees are supposed to be nonviolent, but Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich pointed out that one felon is scheduled to be released to Olive View-UCLA Medical Center this Friday. The parolee has been convicted of assaulting a peace officer and arson and arrested for rape and sexual battery, Antonovich said.

"Our facilities and our personnel are not equipped to handle this kind of individual," he said.

County officials said they were working with their state counterparts to send the parolee to another hospital.

Antonovich, who has accused California lawmakers of shirking their duties and placing an undue burden on local governments, had another suggestion: